Dyson to open automotive facility

Dyson has confirmed that it will construct its first advanced automotive manufacturing facility in Singapore ahead of launching its electric vehicle. Construction will begin in December with a scheduled completion in 2020.

Earlier this year, Dyson announced it was in the process of investing £200 million in new buildings and testing facilities at its campus at Hullavington Airfield, UK. It continues its £2.5 billion investment in new technology globally.

Writing to Dyson staff, CEO Jim Rowan said, “Dyson’s growing automotive team is making excellent progress from the state-of-the-art hangars at Hullavington Airfield in Wiltshire where we are investing £200 million. Clearly we now need to move quickly towards manufacturing and assembly.

A render of the automotive facility

“The decision of where to make our car is complex, based on supply chains, access to markets, and the availability of the expertise that will help us achieve our ambitions. I am delighted to let you know that the Dyson Board has now decided that our first automotive manufacturing facility will be in Singapore.

“Our existing footprint and team in Singapore, combined with the nation’s significant advanced manufacturing expertise, made it a frontrunner. Singapore also offers access to high-growth markets as well as an extensive supply chain and a highly skilled workforce. Singapore has a comparatively high cost base, but also great technology expertise and focus. It is therefore the right place to make high quality technology loaded machines, and the right place to make our electric vehicle.

“Dyson’s history in Singapore began 11 years ago with a small engineering team developing our high speed, digital, electric motors. We have grown significantly since then, we now employ 1,100 people, and have made over fifty million high-speed Dyson Digital Motors in Singapore.

“Our RDD teams at both the Singapore Technology Centre and the Advanced Manufacturing Centre have developed world-leading knowledge and represent Dyson at its best. Singapore is central to our future and we expect to more than double our team there.